And with that in mind, it is always a good idea to keep your tomato plants out of the compost bin! Another completely closed system, this can produce compost extremely quickly. Check out this adorable indoor kitchen compost bin on Amazon. When choosing a compost bin, you’ll notice that they are available in a host of different sizes and materials. Compost bins are a convenient and economical way to create nutrient-rich, dense compost indoors or outdoors. If you decide you want a faster, more efficient means of composting, try using a composting bin and introduce your own vermicompost system. You are also agreeing to our privacy policy. The most important thing is for you to start composting and begin the process of adding valuable nutrients to your garden! I only promote items I personally recommend and think provide benefit to my readers. After using both bins and tumblers in my garden for over seven years, the bottom line for me is this: either is a great choice! Most compost piles are incredibly dense with organic matter, organic matter that has been piled and organized in a very specific manner, ensuring that the composting process is as speedy as it can be. However, compost needs to be turned—for aeration and distribution of material—and that can be more challenging in a larger bin. A large bin is hard work too. The main job of browns in a compost pile is to be food sources for all of the lovely soil-dwelling organisms that will work with the microbes to break down the contents of your compost pile. Average compost bins typically cost around $100 and can be as expensive as $500. Bigger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to compost bins. We have used 3-foot high wire fencing that we wrapped into a circle about 3 feet in diameter. Journey with Jill is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Compost bins make use of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to hasten the process, whereas compost piles are entirely dependent on the worms to eat through the organic matter. A small bin probably won’t be enough to maintain a large amount of yard debris. Depending on how much space you have on your property, you might be considering creating a compost pile or hiding away your developing compost in a bin. (Pinterest is full of fun ideas!) Related Story How to Build the Ultimate Compost Bin Your compost heap may also remain a bit damper in the shade relative to a bin in the sun. On the con side, they do require regular turning, and for best results you should remove it from the tumbler and put aside for finishing off. (And How To Remove Them), How to Integrate a Vertical Garden into a Retaining Wall, Timber Garden Edging [Ideas, Tips and Pictures], Makes it difficult for rodents and pests to interfere with the compost, A closed system helps regulate moisture, heat, and reduces odors, Bins are available in stationary and wheeled versions, The time it takes for compost to be ready-to-use is typically faster than a traditional pile, Compost can be ready for your plants and yard in as little as three months, If a container is too large for the owner, it may be difficult to rotate the materials, The amount of compost developed is limited to the cubic area of space inside the bin, It is a traditional and time-honored method to create compost and control your layers, If you have plenty of yard space, you can keep your compost outside of the home, An open pile gets access to the sun and natural elements to further its progress, A compost pile is hands-on and gets you in touch with nature, A poorly protected pile is vulnerable to rodents and other pests, It takes at least a year before the compost is ready to apply to plants or soil, There may be problems with foul odors, moisture control, and protection against the elements. The pile may then be turned into the bin at its new location and compost can be removed from the bottom. I also like that I can add a lot to these piles, from corn stalks to grass clippings — very convenient when I’m doing fall garden clean-up. I’ve used compost piles, a homemade compost tumbler, and a pre-made compost tumbler from Good Ideas Inc. Click below to listen to my full discussion, or continue reading for the highlights. Decide how much containment you want. The circular and panel designs illustrated each have advantages. Homemade compost is one of the best assets you can have as a gardener. A bucket is easy to pick up and dump in holes or around my plants. This is an affiliate promotional code, but all opinions below are my own. Whether it’s blight, mildew or a host of other issues, they can easily transmit disease throughout a compost pile. In this way, I always have one that I add to and one that is cooking into usable compost. I’ve used both compost piles and compost tumblers. It required a bit of assembly, but once we got it together using the instructions, it has been really easy to use. *Note, my homemade compost tumbler wasn’t necessarily easy to add large amounts to because the opening was too small; if you make your own, ensure you make a large enough opening for your needs. Unlike a compost bin that is enclosed and can hurry along the process of creating ready-to-use compost in less than a year, using the traditional pile method to make compost can take up to a year before it is good to go. Compost in the Home Garden Avoid these 4 Beginner Mistakes, Since it’s open to the ground, my compost has a lot of earthworms, It is open to the elements so it receives the water it needs, Not easy to turn, which is necessary for quicker compost, Not easy to harvest the compost because it doesn’t open from the front, Some of the nutrients may leach out the bottom with heavy rains, Since it is open, pervasive grasses (like Bermuda) and weeds can grow up around it and can grow in the compost, Voles can get in because it is good shelter and provides food for them, It was not easy to add to because the opening was too small. The quality of the soil below the bin will improve, and you can easily mix the finished product in when it’s ready. It is suitable for a relatively homogenous mix of organic waste and work well for larger quantity generators of yard trimmings and compostable municipal solid waste (e.g., food scraps, paper products), such as local governments, landscapers, or farms. (I had to add scraps to my pile instead.). In these systems, you have one pile to add, one pile that’s cooking, and one pile that’s ready for use. Which method you choose depends on your space, the amount of “inputs” you’ll have, and what you think will be most usable and convenient for you. Or, you can enclose the pile with rocks, boards, concrete chunks or fencing. Both compost pile and compost bin are two of the most effective composting methods you can opt for at home. Shredded newspaper Glossy magazines don’t make for good compost, but thin printed paper can go on the pile. Some links on this site are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase products I recommend. Plus, the larger the bin, the longer the pile has to keep “cooking” to turn into compost. This rolling composter was designed to make mixing your compost easier and more efficient. It is an excellent practice to have an area measuring three feet wide, three feet long, and allowing for a height of three feet to create your compost. Using a compost bin is pretty straight forward, depending on whether you choose one that has a vertical or horizontal orientation. A pile in the shade may stay a bit cooler, which will result in slower but still effective decomposition. In a rough estimation, the compost tumbler is 30% expensive more than the compost bin. Make sure that no local laws restrict making a compost pile because of the potential to create a nuisance or eyesore. I hope after reading, you’ll feel ready to start composting for your garden! Dalek Bin Success! Just like the previous model, this one is also a tumbling composter, so you never have to deal with digging and mixing the pile by hand which can honestly get a … These bins can come in varying systems – you can make them yourself, you can buy a wooden one, a multi-bin system, a rotating composter, a tumbling composter – you name it. The nutrients it adds to your soil are amazing and when you make it at home it is very inexpensive. The point is that these bins do not rest on the ground and are still holding cells for your compost. I mentioned earlier that I have two piles, one that is cooking and one to add to. There are no worms or bugs in the pile. Composting Advantages vs. its Disadvantages . ... Mixing your compost pile by hand is a thing of the past. Even though it’s much smaller compared to the standard compost bin in terms of capacity, since the waste decomposes faster, you don’t need as much big of a composter. Because compost bins are a closed system, they are efficient at draining off excess moisture, reduce noxious odors, and easily combine green and brown materials. Compost retains moisture and repels weeds when used as a top dressing or mulch. Before using compost, it is a good practice to filter the compost through a wire mesh to make sure that larger pieces are filtered out. In a tumbler, you can put all of your compost in an enclosed barrel and turn it. How to Compost Leaves. The basic idea is to add air occasionally for the aerobic microbes that are in the pile … Hot bin composter. "The only things that should never go in your compost pile are glass, metal, styrofoam, and plastic," he says. Check out this lightweight plastic compost bin on Amazon. 10 Rat-Proof Composters You Should Check Out, Where To Buy A Composter [Top 40 online stores], 8 Awesome Cedar Planter Boxes [You won’t believe the variety! The construction material of a compost bin does have an impact on the durability and nature of your container. Using a compost pile or a compost bin are acceptable ways to develop your compost for your yard or garden. Composting just may be worth the future of the planet. My first homemade tumbler was made from a 50-gallon drum and worked well enough, but since it ended up having some pretty significant drawbacks, we don’t use it anymore. This is because when it comes to durability, the compost tumbler will serve for a longer period than the compost bins. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Before we start talking about composting tumblers, if you decide to purchase one from Good Ideas, Inc., use my promo code, JILL10 to get 10% off your purchase. All rights reserved (c) 2019 GardenTabs.com. Compost Heaps In The Shade You can also set your compost bin in a shady place in your yard. This does not cost you any more but does help me offset some of the costs associated with this blog. I expe, Would love to hear your personal experience using, Harvesting broccoli for dinner tonight — in the, 7 Common Mistakes in Raised Bed Gardening, Growing Blueberries? Compost Bins vs Tumblers: Final Thoughts After using both bins and tumblers in my garden for over seven years, the bottom line for me is this: either is a great choice! Overall, a composting bin is most beneficial for the following reasons: Cons regarding using a composting bin are as follows: It is vital to check with your local laws to ensure it is permissible to make a compost heap on your property. Read my Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, and Terms of Use. Check out this large compost bin on Amazon. The most important thing is for you to start composting and begin the process of adding valuable nutrients to your garden! Still, there are some pros and cons you should consider before making a final decision. So, when I wanted to start composting for our urban garden, a three-bin setup was my choice. Helping Beginners Grow a Rewarding, Successful Garden, in Gardening Tips & How-to's· In the Garden· The Beginner's Garden Podcast. Filed Under: Gardening Tips & How-to's, In the Garden, The Beginner's Garden Podcast, Your email address will not be published. If you compost in a pile or using a moveable bin, it’s a good idea to set up shop on a fallow bed. Here we’re going to get a little more specific about what systems have worked best for me and why. I expected that to be a problem with my Good Ideas tumbler, but our compost has remained very moist. The fastest compost pile to build is a simple mound — just throw everything to be composted into a heap and let it rot. Are you curious about what’s the best thing to add to your compost pile? When you don't have the option of composting in a bin or pile, there are still a few things you can do to make compost and enrich your soil. Compost Bin Tumbler. We purchased this tumbler 5 years ago taking advantage of a rebate program by the city and it’s still going strong. Keep reading for more details! We have 2 of these circle. Some gardeners with enough space opt for a double or triple compost bin, which allows them to turn the compost by moving it from one bin to the next. If you are interested in. You can also find free stuff to build a compost bin. When it comes to price, the compost tumbler is more expensive than the compost bins. All of the “cons” I’m listening below actually were from my homemade compost tumbler. One benefit of using a bin is that the compost dirt will be ready for use much faster than in a pile. But many new gardeners are scared to get started. The landfill vs the compost heap: the details on decomposition by Sean Flannigan One is that pile of veggie scraps and shredded paper in your mom’s backyard, moldering away and eventually turning into thick dark soil stuff that she eventually spreads all around her thriving salsa garden. Compost Pile v/s Compost Bin. 5. Also, brown materials help to add bulk and help allow air to filter through the pile. Dedicated composters may want to use a compost bin because it is a more controlled and cleaner way to make compost fast. Consider a dual composting tumbler like this one from Good Ideas. Are you unsure about where you should place your compost? The compost bin doesn’t have to be a complex structure and you can even compost in a pile. Some people use a compost bin, some prefer a simple pile and others go for a compost barrel tumbler. The black bin features an 8-sided dual chamber perfect for creating double the amount of compost as most can offer. I'm wanting to start composting since I've moved back in with my parents and have a place to do so. When looking for a compost bin, you want to know how much space you’ll need for the amount of compost you wish to develop, whether you are composting inside or outside, and how much you are willing to spend. Because a compost pile is out in the open, a minimum of space is required. These bins are designed, so mixing nitrogen and carbon-rich elements is a cinch. But first, if you’re brand new to compost, make sure to check out my post on Composting for Beginners because it will answer some of your questions about why you should make your own compost and how to do it. Use both a tumbler and a pile (like I do). I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to harvesti, This fall-planted parsley has done really wel, I’ve spent the better part of two days selecting, My greenhouse lettuce is coming along! A healthy compost should have a plethora of worms, mites, and mycelium visible if you were to turn it over with a pitch fork. Compost (/ ˈ k ɒ m p ɒ s t / or / ˈ k ɒ m p oʊ s t /) is made by decomposing organic materials into simpler organic and inorganic compounds by the microorganisms in a process called composting. #3 Fat / Grease / Oil . Some locations may not be so enthusiastic about a compost pile that can attract rodents, makes terrible smells, or detracts from a neighborhood’s beauty. A worm farm is a great way to reduce food waste or to make your own garden fertilizer. For gardeners who prefer an open compost pile, a single compost bin can be turned by simply inserting your shovel or fork into the pile and literally turning it over, much like you would toss a salad. One I use as my “add” pile, where I add my kitchen scraps and other compost ingredients. Aerated static pile composting produces compost relatively quickly (within three to six months). Compost pile vs compost bin?? It didn’t allow moisture in. There was an error submitting your subscription. We have a backyard with a lot of space to compost, and we already have a huge pile of grass clippings and leaves from when we cut grass or rake the yard. Indefinite1 Month3 Months6 Months } ?>. Your email address will not be published. For example, if you live in an apartment and don’t have a yard to start a compost pile, then a worm bin is a smart choice. Learn how your comment data is processed. When it is full, I leave it to “cook” or break down and start adding to the second pile. Things like twigs that are commonly used for aeration decompose much more slowly than smaller organic materials and need to be removed and returned to the compost pile. Subscribe here for my best tips to plan your garden in just 7 days -- all for FREE. You can even keep a small compost bin inside if you lack yard space for a full-sized pile. Help it break down faster by shredding it. Compost bin vs. Please try again. In this post (and podcast), I’ll compare my experience in using a compost pile or a compost tumbler. But since I only have one tumbler, when I’m ready to stop adding to it there was no place to add my kitchen scraps to. If the compost bin is new and without another compost close by, it will take a longer period of time for those microorganisms to move in. Compost tumblers are … Although composting is good for the environment, reduces landfill waste, and enriches plants and soil, there are still some misconceptions and challenges regarding the process of transforming waste products into a green thumb’s boon. In my experience, this method is overall the least maintenance. These are completely closed off. A large pile is hard work. The compost bin can be easily moved to turn piles or to harvest finished compost: Just undo latches, pull the mesh away from compost and set it up elsewhere. 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Laws restrict making a final decision even compost in an enclosed barrel and turn,! But our compost bin on Amazon a bin is that these bins do not rest on pile. Compost bins are easier to clean than compost piles and compost can be more challenging in a.. Air pockets garden, a three-bin setup was my choice the duration you give consent.. Construction material of a rebate program by the city and it ’ s still strong. Tumbler and a compost bin rest on the pile may then be turned into the bin you... A small compost bin, the longer the pile put all of the planet experience in using compost., the longer the pile, while wood chips tend to create nutrient-rich dense...